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Samaje Perine is pushing to be RB1 after out-carrying Chase Brown vs. Dolphins

Samaje Perine made a strong case for increased usage in Cincinnati’s Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins, out-carrying Chase Brown for the first time this season. Perine finished with 14 attempts for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Brown managed just 13 carries for 39 yards, including a costly fumble in the red zone that shifted momentum in Perine’s favor.

After the turnover, Perine saw his snap count rise significantly, ultimately playing more than Brown for the remainder of the game—a shift that reflected the Bengals’ offensive scheme leaning into Perine’s downhill running style. The data backs up the on-field change: Cincinnati’s expected points added (EPA) per play ranks highest in the NFL when Brown is off the field, per Fantasy Points’ Scott Barrett, raising questions about the backfield’s long-term touch balance.

Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher confirmed the Bengals will continue evaluating how to split touches between the two backs, emphasizing that game plans and scheme will dictate their usage moving forward. With the run game struggling early in 2026, Perine’s recent performances have injected much-needed energy, though the team may still explore adding another running back before the trade deadline to address the position’s inconsistencies.

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